GARRIOCH: What the Ottawa Senators hope Santa delivers them for Christmas

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through Eugene Melnyk’s house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney at LeBreton Flats with care in hopes that Saint Nicholas would some day deliver a new rink there.

Coach Guy Boucher was nestled, all snug in his bed.

With visions of a contract extension dancing in his head.

And, winger Mark Stone in his pyjamas and centre Matt Duchene in his cap, had just settled down after going over the numbers to see where they fit in Boucher’s trap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter.

Boucher sprang from his bed to see if he could find the proper game plan to help deal with this pressing matter.

Away from his iPad, Boucher flew in a flash, he tore open the shutters and prepared to make a dash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow gave the lustre of midday to hockey equipment below when, what to Boucher’s wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature sleigh, and eight skilled players.

“Now Stone! Now Duchene! Now Dzingel and Ryan!

“On Borowiecki! On Chabot! On Smith and On Tkachuk!”

So up to the house-top the players they flew,

With the sleigh full of toys, and Santa Claus, too.

And then, in a twinkling, Boucher heard on the roof the prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As Boucher drew in his head, and was turning around, down the chimney Santa came with a bound.

His eyes — how they twinkled! His dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like Don Cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as snow.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, and Boucher laughed when he saw him, in spite of himself.

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, soon gave Boucher knew he had no reason to see red.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, to hand out some presents to some of Senators’ good sports …

Eugene Melnyk: Either a resolution to the LeBreton Flats file or a new partner to help build the rink on the valuable piece of land downtown. It may not look realistic now, but every story has twists and turns. This one is no different;

Nicolas Ruszkowski and Aimee Deziel: With a focus on being at the Canadian Tire Centre for the next five years at least, given the delay in a LeBreton Flats move, more people in the seats as this rebuild continues;

Pierre Dorion: Signatures on contract extensions from Mark Stone and Matt Duchene. The club has decided to take a step back to take a step forward, but they want these two building blocks in place to keep the house in order;

Guy Boucher: Better defensive play, especially on the road. If the young players can learn this part of the game and show improvement, then he has a chance to be back. The key word here is “progression,” and the Senators need to show more of it;

Ottawa Senators left-winger Mikkel Boedker (89) celebrates with teammate Mark Stone after scoring against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period.Graham Hughes /
THE CANADIAN PRESS

Mark Stone: Somebody sew the ‘C’ on his jersey. He has led by example, he has helped to steer the young players through the difficult road of playing in the NHL, and it only makes sense for him to be the centrepiece of the rebuild with a new deal;

Matt Duchene: A long-term contract extension that will keep him in Ottawa. He has the skills to get the job done and, by all accounts, has made a contribution in the room. The Senators paid the price to get him and now they have to try to keep him;

Brady Tkachuk: He won’t win the Calder Trophy, but the young forward certainly deserves consideration as the NHL’s rookie-of-the-year. He has made a huge impact for this team at both ends of the ice. He pays the price;

The Ottawa Senators’ Brady Tkachuk (7) tries to control a rebound in front of the Nashville Predators’ Ryan Hartman (38) in a game Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018, in Nashville.Mark Humphrey /
AP

Dylan DeMelo: He may be the biggest surprise in the Erik Karlsson deal. Arrived as a relative unknown and has emerged as one of the club’s better defencemen. Has helped stabilize in his role with Thomas Chabot and that’s what the Senators need;

Craig Anderson: This is a guy that needs a break after suffering a upper body injury Friday. Hopefully, he gets some quality time with his family in Ottawa over the holidays and gets some rest to help him recover. He’s got a lot of work to do with a lot of hockey left to be played;

Ryan Dzingel: So, what does old Santa give the skilled winger? Sure looks like he’s a guy who could get squeezed out of the picture as a unrestricted free agent. If there’s no extension and a trade is to be made, then the Senators should be able to get a good return;

Ottawa Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot celebrates his goal against the Detroit Red Wings in the first period of an NHL hockey game Friday, Dec. 14, 2018, in Detroit.Paul Sancya /
AP

Thomas Chabot: A trip to Las Vegas in the spring as a finalist for the Norris Trophy as the league’s top defenceman. He’ll have a tough time winning on a non-playoff team, but Chabot certainly has put himself in the conversation;

Cody Ceci: While he’s taken on a bigger role this season, what kind of role will he have down the road? Ceci went to arbitration last summer and you wonder if he’ll get a contract extension or a change of scenery before the deadline. Santa has to decide;

Logan Taylor, 4, spends some time with Bobby Ryan as the Ottawa Senators made their annual Christmas visit to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) on Wednesday, Dec. 19.Wayne Cuddington /
Postmedia

Bobby Ryan: A healthy and happy new year. He hasn’t had any hand injuries this season, but he did miss some time with a concussion. Has a chance to make an impact for this team by becoming a consistent performer;

Mark Borowiecki: The rugged competitor deserves a little more respect. He plays the same way every night, he works hard and that’s why he’s valuable to this team. A voice of reason, never doubt his team-first attitude;

Colin White: It’s been a breakthrough season and he’s emerged as the club’s second-line centre. Has developed good chemistry with Stone and Tkachuk. Really has taken great steps; now all White needs is consistency;

Ottawa Senators goaltender Mike Condon.Errol McGihon /
Postmedia

Mike Condon: A ticket back to the NHL, but first he needs to get healthy and back on the ice with the AHL’s Belleville Senators. Condon hasn’t been since he allowed six goals on 23 shots in a 7-6 win over the Toronto Marlies Nov. 9 in Belleville;

Ben Harpur: He looks like he’s earned a regular spot on the club’s blueline and it’s doubtful he’ll be a scratch much anymore. He’s brought a complete game this season that includes using his size and even dropping his gloves. A full-time job in the NHL is ahead;

Tom Pyatt: A goal or two this season. Start with one and go from there. He works hard, but it hasn’t clicked for him this year and he’s been scratched twice. It would appear a trip back to Europe next season is the next step for him;

Zack Smith: A few more goals to help his hard work pay off. Plays the same way every night and isn’t afraid to get his nose dirty. He’s a smart player and a veteran who can be relied on. Getting waived served to be a good wakeup call and he’s made a difference;

Jean-Gabriel Pageau: Clearance from the doctors in mid-January to resume his playing career. He’s shown great progress since the surgery on his Achilles tendon, but now he has to get the green light to get back to playing; and

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